MCWA Meeting Minutes of March 1, 2022
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the March 2022 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:03 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave Holmgren (K9AT). Ralph reported the passing of Pete Gedvilas (K9MG). Ralph also welcomed new members Bob Temes (KD9IDD), Bob Kerpec (WA9JOQ) and Sid Siddalingaiah (KC9JPJ).
Board members present were Gary Dembski (W9GD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M) and Mike Metroka (WB8BZK).
A total of 30 members were in attendance and 4 guests; Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA), Brent Walls (N9BA), Will Conley (WA9BRC) and Thomas Beebe (W9RY).
Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the January 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Membership and Financial Reports
Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for December. MCWA has a membership of 137 full members including 7 family members.
| Opening Balance | $10,789.45 | |
| Deposits | $446.30 | (dues) |
| Expenditures | $0.00- | |
| Interest | $0.08 | |
| Final Balance | $11,235.83 |
Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2022 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting or they will be dropped from the roster. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Announcements
The February VE testing session was very successful with four new Technicians and three new Generals.
Hamfest and Event Update
PAST
Orlando Hamcation, ARRL National Convention: Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA) said it was well-attended by vendors and the flea market sellers. There were several forums and the ARRL held training sessions on Thursday.
UPCOMING
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, March 12-13, 2022, on-line
Jefferson Hamfest, March 30, Jefferson County Fairgrounds Activity Center, Jefferson, WI
Dayton Hamvention 2022, May 20-22, 2022, Greene County Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Xenia, OH
Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest, June 5, Mendota Tri-County Fairgrounds, Mendota, IL
Contest Reports
North American Sprint (CW): W9TD reported that it was confusing with stations having to change frequency after each QSO.
CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest: NT9E and W9TD participated
ARRL School Club Roundup: no reports
ARRL International DX Contest (CW): W9TD participated
Russian PSK WW Contest: no reports
CQ 160-meter Contest (SSB): no reports
North American QSO Party (RTTY): NT9E and W9TD participated
Upcoming:
ARRL International DX Contest (SSB) – March 5-6
Stew Perry Topband Challenge – March 13
Wisconsin QSO Party – March 13-14
BARTG HF RTTY Contest – March 19-21
CQ WW WPX Contest (SSB) – March 26-27
Upcoming MCWA Presentations
April 5 Lightning and its Aftermath
Tom Pusateri (W9NBG)
May 3 Inexpensive QRP Radios
David Cripe (NM0S)
June 7 Working the Pileup
Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO)
July 5 QRP Showcase & Show-and-Tell
August 2 Propagation and Amateur Radio
Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA)
September 6 Small Antennas for HF
Jack Hudson (W9MU)
October 4 Youth in Amateur Radio
Anthony Luscre (K8ZT)
November 1 TBD
December 6 TBD
Awards and license upgrades
For the 2021 Iowa QSO party, KA9OZP placed third in the high power class.
Old Business
A picnic Committee needs to be formed now if this event can take place:
- Volunteers needed
- Select a date and secure/rent the location
- Begin to plan the food and activities
Later, the menu needs to be finalized, budget made and approved and the activities planned in detail.
Dan Larson (KD9M) reported on the 2022 Field Day planning meeting held on February 15. We have the Rush Creek campground reserved for Saturday night and all are invited. The plan is to have possibly three stations, CW, SSB and digital with free VHF, GOTA and satellite stations. The satellite station is in jeopardy as those contacted are not available for Field Day. There is a need for both GOTA and food captains. The next meeting will be on March 15 at 8 PM using Zoom.
A budget of $750 was approved at the February MCWA meeting.
New Business
The organizers of the Lake County Maker Faire have reached out to us to participate. It is to be held at the College of Lake County PE Center, April 9, from 10 AM until 2 PM. They asked us to have a booth where we can actively show and explain how the “project” was created and the technology involved and a hands-on experience for the attendees, if possible.
Wrap up
Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA) will be presenting “ARRL Update” following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at the Algonquin Township meeting room. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. The program is “Lightning and its Aftermath” by Tom Pusateri (W9NBG).
A motion to adjourn was made by Dennis Ryan (KA9PUC) and seconded by Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:32 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.